The Community Foundation are delighted to receive this first major contribution from Ulster Garden Villages to their recently launched Coronavirus Community Fund. The local trust have matched the original contribution of £70,000 from the Community Foundation to bring the fund total to £140,000.

The Coronavirus Community Fund was opened in quick response to the challenges the virus is presenting to the most vulnerable people during these surreal times. Offering grants of up to £1,000 of emergency funding, it will support community organisations working with older people (aged 50 and over) and help them to deliver support around emerging issues relating to the virus. In recognition of community need and urgency of response, the Foundation are working at speed with successful groups receiving funding within a week.

Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation said , “We are thrilled that Ulster Garden Villages has contributed to the Community Fund. We have been both overwhelmed and encouraged by the response from communities seeking to support older individuals in their communities. Projects like community fridges, food donations and distribution in rural areas and a group working out how to help those who are isolated do arts and crafts activities at home, and then collecting those crafts and displaying them on social media.”

It is evident from the number of applications and unique project ideas being presented to overcome the challenges faced by Coronavirus that communities are rallying together to support one another. The Community Foundation and Ulster Garden Villages would like to thank each organisation and individual who are working on the ground to deliver these support services to those most in need.

Dr Tony Hopkins, Chairman of Ulster Garden Villages “This is a challenging and worrying time for many, we are delighted to be able to partner with the Community Foundation on this fund supporting communities right across Northern Ireland. This funding will help those who need it most through a network of dedicated volunteers and organisations, helping to strengthen communities under pressure in this difficult time.”